SB 18-258

Senate Bill 18-258, which has been signed into law, modifies Colorado’s speedy trial statute by excluding from the calculation of trial time any delays caused when a judge orders a continuance. This exclusion applies specifically if the judge determines that such a delay is necessary to protect the defendant's constitutional rights. The bill affects defendants in criminal cases who might need additional time for their trials due to legal protections, ensuring these delays do not count against them under speedy trial rules. Now that it has been signed, this law will be implemented and impact future court proceedings involving speedy trial timelines.

Official Summary

In the speedy trial statute, there is a list of time periods that are excluded from the speedy trial calculation. The bill adds the period of delay caused by a continuance ordered by the court to the list, if the court finds that the continuance is necessary to protect the defendant's constitutional rights. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) Read More

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